The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Chief Warrant Officer Thomas J. Ward (ASN: W-3152546), United States Army, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as evidenced by voluntary actions above and beyond the call of duty, while serving with the Air Cavalry Troop, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, in the Republic of Vietnam. Warrant Officer Ward distinguished himself by valorous actions on 24 August 1967 while serving as pilot of a UH-1C armed helicopter. Warrant Officer Ward was pilot of the aircraft in a fire team that was on a visual reconnaissance mission in support of the 3d Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment. In the early morning hours, Warrant Officer Ward’s fire team was seeping the area ahead of the convoy as it moved along Highway 2. Suddenly the helicopter was engaged by a Viet Cong force that was preparing an ambush site for the approaching column. The insurgent force directed a withering barrage of small arms and automatic weapons fire upon the low flying aircraft. The helicopter was struck several times by the initial volley of enemy fire, wounding three crew members including Warrant Officer Ward. Receiving painful wounds as several of the enemy rounds penetrated the windshield and showered him with fragments of glass and metal, Warrant Officer Ward continued despite the agonizing pain and partial blindness, to control the damaged helicopter. Warrant Officer Ward landed the aircraft 600 meters south of the enemy’s position. Warrant Officer Ward inspected the damages and upon completion he bravely returned to the scene of the initial engagement and skillfully directed his men in the resumption of suppressive fire on the insurgent force until all ammunition was expended. Chief Warrant Officer Ward’s courage and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.